[ P ] Live and Let Die

J

ust beyond the barracks that housed those who lived and died for their cause, young Cian moved quietly through the oaklands. The forest had been the backdrop of his first year, where he was born and had lived since that time. His family, he imagined, were likely not far away, though they tended to stay toward the outskirts of the community. Now, the barracks would be his home, and, he supposed, his fellow warriors like a family. Sort of. Cian was not unfriendly, but he had only recently arrived there, and had thus far maintained some distance from the rest of the wolves who had come here with a shared purpose.


Would the flame-kissed wolf be there, if not the influence of his militaristic father? It was hard to say, for a future in the army had always been waiting for Cian. He could not remember a time when that expectation had not loomed large in the distance like an ominous storm cloud. Even now, he could hear the sound of others training for some upcoming battle yet to be declared. It did not matter what the cause would be when the call to arms came. The boy knew only that their common duty was inevitable, sure as winter turned to spring.


And that was why Cian was in the forest today, walking alone, dark orange-red eyes peering about with curiosity. He could see the very beginnings of spring beginning to show -- tiny green buds starting to appear on the branches of barren branches of enormous oak trees. The hint of grass beginning to peak up from the dirty, melting snow. The thought of warmer weather brought him peace, and he looked forward to seeing this season of new life and new beginnings as it finally replaced the long, cold, lonely winter.


@Ramses

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

R

amses was beginning to feel more settled since his promotion—so much so he felt confident enough to take an hour or two off from his rigorous routines to simply wander through the forest at his leisure. A part of his brain wondered if he was wrong for pursuing a peaceful stroll, but he brushed the thought away. He hadn’t taken a moment to breath since he joined the Imperial Army as a yearling, he was allowed this time to recuperate. He knew there was a delicate balance between work and self-care, but finding time to take care of himself was difficult when his responsibilities were numerous. With that in mind, the Captain wandered aimlessly through the trees whilst pools of sunshine took everything in.

He had only been alive long enough to witness the passing of two winters, but Ramses could see the tall-tale signs peeking through winter’s grip. The tree branches were beginning to show signs of life, and the white blanket of snow was melting into slush. In a few weeks, spring will be in full effect, and winter’s bite will be nothing but a memory. He hadn’t been walking for too long before a coat of fiery flames caught his attention. The colors were vibrant enough to garner his attention immediately, causing the dark-chocolate wolf to pause mid-stride. The male was but a yearling, but maybe this was the one he'd been waiting for all along?

Ramses had agreed to monitor the boy so he could hang around the barracks until he was old enough to begin training, but truthfully, he would need help with the matter. He had already spoken to Lilith, another soldier who readily agreed to assist him with this task. He glanced over his shoulder to glimpse the barracks, trying to see he could spot the female before turning his attention back to the male. "Hail there," he greeted, eyes of sunshine finding the boys features. "Are you Cian Eamonn? I'm Captain Ramses Tarek. I believe I've been expecting you."

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Cian @Lilith

L

ilith had never fully considered what moving from land to land would mean for her. She assumed it would bring new opportunities and experiences, the meeting of new individuals, and the knowledge of new subjects. It would be thrilling, to say the least. But the one thing she never considered when moving to Rionnach was her position amongst the Imperial Guard.

Though not an official member, Lilith had been spending more of her time aiding the guild in whatever way possible. Passing a message here, finding a targe there; she was happy to oblige. In her hesitation to fully devote herself to the army, she had promised to help out with whatever tasks they needed an extra paw, and today’s task was simply something she had not guessed would be a possibility. Babysitting.

It didn’t take long for Lilith to find her targets, as the pair stood along the border of the barrack in clear sight. With her tail head high and swaying behind her, she approached the duo. ”Captain Tarek and Cian Eamonn, I presume?” She called out in greeting, coming to a stop about a foot away from the duo. ”I’m Lilith Zyphear, an aid to the Imperial Army. It’s a pleasure to meet you two.” The Knight bowed her head momentarily before straightening out so that she could properly get a good look at the two men, though more specifically on the boy.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Cian @Ramses

W

hen at last he was spotted by a pair of vivid yellow sights, Cian felt rather awkward, though if he was nervous, the boy masked it well. But he had not expected two caregivers here, two sets of eyes, two figures of authority to tell him what to do until the spring came and Cian had completed the first year of his life. He was not a baby anymore. His facade worked hard to hide a mild irritation, with only the flick of an ear to hint at his surprise. His father had trained him well.


The boy’s head nodded in a polite bow to both of the adults, first to the brute whose name was familiar, then the femme whose was not. ”Yes, that is me, Captain, sir.” He paused. ”And… ma’am.” He was not certain of Lilith’s role, but he was polite nonetheless, with his head still held high so that he might impress Ramses.


Despite his youth, this seemed unnecessary… But it was Father’s decision, and it was not Cian’s place to disagree or disobey, no matter how far away his family was, no matter the feelings that bubbled up inside. This was easy enough to dismiss for the sake of being proper. Composed. Stoic. Dutifully, he stood, waiting for Ramses to tell him what to do next as his deep orange eyes looked at the brute expectantly. ”Is this where I will be staying? Or…” Fiery eyes turned to Lilith, now concerned that they had other plans for the almost-yearling.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck